Cassandra L Martin

US Patent:

20230051082, Feb 16, 2023

Filed:

Aug 10, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/884983

Inventors:

- Newark NJ, US
Jessica Pridmore - Colts Neck NJ, US
Cassandra Martin - Barnegat NJ, US
Katherine Coombs - Oaklyn NJ, US
Sydnee Sicherer - Newark NJ, US

Assignee:

New Jersey Institute of Technology - Newark NJ

International Classification:

G01N 33/483
C12M 1/34
C12M 1/32
G02B 21/36
G02B 21/26

Abstract:

Devices and methods to measure cells and/or tissue's contractile force are disclosed. Included is a mount with rigid, and non-rigid posts sized to flex. Determined is force exerted by contractile cells and tissues in a multiwell plate. The device is designed to fit inside individual wells with posts directed downwards. Posts are attached to a 3D printed circular mount with tabs for depth within the well. The mount has a window for medium changes while the device is positioned inside the well. The cells are seeded within a hydrogel. As the hydrogel condenses, cells/tissue wrap around the post's outside pulling non-rigid post toward rigid post. Inverted light microscope is used to determine deflection of non-rigid post inside the multiwell plate. Movement of the non-rigid post is measured using an acrylic ruler on an underside of the multiwell plate. Contractile forces of cells/tissue are determined using cantilever mechanics.